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Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

2025 is the year of the Snake, starting from January 29, 2025 (Chinese Lunar New Year Day) and lasting until February 16, 2026. If you were born in 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013…, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Snake.

Chinese New Year in Singapore is one of the biggest celebrations on the event calendar. Generally celebrated in January or February each year (the date fluctuates), this event marks the transition from summer to winter.

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year, check out some of the planned events, as you will learn so much about the rich Chinese culture that continues to influence Singapore today.

Chinese New Year 2025 Dates, Celebrations & Fireworks in Singapore

The ‘main public event’ of Singapore’s Chinese New Year season is indisputably the Chingay Parade. The Chingay Parade is undoubtedly one of the most important events in Singapore, and it’s when street floats, clowns, dancers, acrobats, jugglers and many other performers can be seen in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The parade’s origin is in China, where processions were made in honour of the Lunar New Year for two weeks in preparation for the arrival of spring. You must purchase tickets to attend, and the parade is typically celebrated at the F1 Pit Building (next to the Singapore Flyer).

Also, the River Hongbao celebration is considered one of the main celebrations of the Chinese New Year. It typically occurs at Gardens by the Bay and along the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade. This is a family event where various entertainment and cultural events are suitable for all ages.

Bring your family and enjoy the sumptuous Chinese cuisine that characterises the culture. Many restaurants will serve a special meat porridge that precedes a delicious pineapple tart called ‘Ong Lai’, a symbol of good luck. This will be followed by peanut cookies, which are meant to represent longevity. Afterwards, join the locals and toss a fish salad into the air. The higher you throw it, the more prosperity will come your way.

Typically, the following events are scheduled for Chinese New Year in Singapore:

    • Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony: at Kreta Ayer Square
    • Street Light-Up: Along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street and South Bridge Road
    • Countdown Party: at Kreta Ayer Square
    • Festive Fair and Food Fair: Along Smith Street, Pagoda St,  Trengganu St, and Temple St
    • Trade Fair @ People’s Park: at the Open space in front of OG People’s Park Complex

You can enjoy the distinctive Chinese fireworks all over the city. Come down to Marina Bay and enjoy the fireworks from the shore, one of the tall buildings, or the Singapore Flyer.

61 Comments

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    • Hi Dan,

      I have checked all of the official websites and really can’t find any information at this point for events in 2019, which isn’t helpful for people who wish to book things ahead of time.

      The only event I can find that is confirmed around Chinese New Year is the River Hongbao event, which is held on 3 – 10 Feb.

      I’ll add any new information I find to this page as it becomes available.

      Thanks
      Michael

    • Hi Ernie,

      It’s difficult to give you an exact list of things that will be running on those dates as Chinese New Year will be occurring a few weeks earlier in 2019 than 2018, and it appears that the events around the CNY celebrations haven’t been confirmed yet.

      We have a decent list on our page at https://www.singaporetravelhub.com/events/chinese-new-year-singapore/ for the events that are usually scheduled for the Chinese New Year period, but until information is released by the local authorities, it’s just speculation at this point.

      As soon as we find information has been released, we will update our website with the news.

      Thanks
      Michael

  • Hello,

    Thank you for this info! I notice that the dates you have posted are the 4th-6th. Are there festivals or anything that happen after the 6th? We are looking into going the 6th-12th but are a little flexible with those dates.

    Thanks!
    Casey

    • Hi Casey,

      The information for next year’s event is quite limited at this point, so the only things that seem to be confirmed is the date of Chinese New year itself.

      Based on the fact you are leaving on around the 12th, you may just miss out on River Hongbao festival and the Chingay Parade.

      Looking at what occurred in 2018, there really is no events aside from the above 2 after Chinese New Year. What you will be able to see is the street light up along the streets of Chinatown; which feature feature handmade sculptured lanterns, flowers and greetings – which runs for 7 weeks after the official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony.

      We will be adding new information to our page as it is released, so please keep an eye out for any new details.

      Thanks
      Michael

  • hi I’m coming singapore on 27feb. 28feb im planning to go universal Studio. 01st march going to batam ferry tour.2nd march leaving to KL through coach bus… will chinese new year would interrupt my tour… please answer thanks regards..

  • Hi, we are in Singapore 15/16 feb for 24 hours and wondered if any atttractions will be closed on the 15th and if will be okay to get a taxi to the airport on the 16th?
    Also we are back on the 10/11 March and wondered if the stores and attractions open as normal on sundays?
    Please excuse my ignorance on these matters
    Thanks
    Paul

    • Hi Komal,

      Please refer to the information and images in our post about all the things to see and do for Chinese New Year:

      – The Official Light Up and Opening Ceremony: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. Firecrackers and fireworks display.
      – Street Light Up: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road. Handmade sculptured lanterns.
      – Festive Street Bazaar: Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street. A variety of stalls lining up the streets of Chinatown.
      – Chingay 2018 Night Fiesta @ Chinatown: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. The largest street performance and float parade in Asia.
      – Nightly Stage Shows: Kreta Ayer Square. Be entertained by Chinese cultural performances, festive songs, music and dance performances.
      – International Lion Dance Competition: Carpark at Banda Street (off Sago Lane). See more than 10 top troupes all vying for the grand prize.
      – Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. Be entertained by live music, firecrackers and a spectacular display of fireworks.

      Have a wonderful time!
      Jess

  • Good afternoon,
    We are expecting visitors from 16.-19.2. from Europe and also for us it is the first CNY as we have been here only for a few months. Where could we take our friends to get an impression of the typical festivities around CNY?
    Thank you!

    • Hi Anna,

      Please refer to the dot points within content in our post as well as the images of the program schedule. We have noted the most popular events and best things to see and do whilst in Singapore during Chinese New Year.

      Have a great time!
      Jess

  • Hi,

    My parents arrive on February 16th. I would like to take them to see some fireworks. Will there be any on this day that we can view from MBS? What time do the fireworks begin?

    Many thanks,
    Natalie

    • Hi Natalie,

      Not sure if there are fireworks on the 16th, or what time for that matter. Head down to MBS, as the Chinese New Year celebrations will be centred around the marina in any event, so if anything is happening, it will be there.

      Best regards,
      Jess

  • Hi

    We will be in Singapore on 15-18 Feb, coming from Australia. you mentioned in the comments below there will be a full program for CNY, is there a program of what is on yet?

    Also, would alot of the hawker centres be closed on 16 and 17th of Feb?

    Cheers
    Loong

  • Hi Jess & Jake,

    Great site you have here. Lots of unique & useful information.

    I’d like to photograph the CNY fireworks and have Singapore skyline or landmarks as background. Any locations you’d reccomend? I’m fone with walking , hiking & being uncomfortable if I can get great shots :)

    Thank you,

    Anthony

  • Hi. To enjoy CNY in Singapore, can we depend on MRT as our main way of transport or do we have to use a taxi to go everywhere? Are public buses available on CNY and one day afterwards? In general, how would you recommend to travel around during this festive season? All information is much appreciated. Cheers. Andy

    • Hi Andy,

      I would definitely use the MRT. The MRT will host additional services throughout Chinese New Year, with trains leaving regularly from all stations.

      Have a wonderful time celebrating the Chinese New Year in Singapore!

      Best regards,
      Jess

  • Hi,

    Myself & my girlfriend will be leaving Singapore on the afternoon of the 26th of January to travel elsewhere around the region to then return the afternoon of the 17th of February; I believe we will miss both the opening night of the River Hongbao and the big New Years Eve display so I am just wondering whether there would be many other opportunities to see some festive events during our planned time in Singapore – if so could you maybe list some please – or whether it is worth rearranging to see in New Years Eve? I am right in thinking the most spectacular events with fireworks etc will be held on the evening of the 15th February/midnight of 16th aren’t I?

    Thank you, Jake.

    • Hi Jake,

      Most of the festivities will be centred around Marina Bay. The New Years Eve celebration is huge, and there is no one best spot to be, so just head to the Downtown Area and enjoy the fireworks and laser light shows. The full program is still yet to be announced, so check back with us early next year for specifics of what is on offer.

      Best regards,
      Jess

  • Hi, we are visiting Singapore in February for our 40th wedding anniversary and just realised it is the Chinese New Year. We arrive February 16, 2018. Can you tell me, is the celebration on all weekend? What should we not miss? Kind regards Deb

    • Hi Deb,

      Yes, the celebration will run all weekend. The program is yet to be released, so hard to make recommendations for specific events. However, the Chingay Parade is always fun as is the International Lion Dance Competition. Check back with us for the full schedule once it is released early next year.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Pedro,

      I would go during Chinese New Year Eve. There will be free celebrations all over the city which will last for a few days, so I think you will get more bang for your buck!

      Have a great time in Singapore!

      Kind regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Laila,

      Most of the large tourist shopping malls will remain open, but I suggest you check individual websites for the opening hours of the ones that are located near you. There is no mandate that they close, but many smaller stores close as many locals take holidays over this period.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

    • Hi Shafiq,

      The full schedule for the Chinese New Year in Singapore is yet to be released. Check back with us and I will update the page when further information comes to hand. But it sounds like you will be in time for the River Hongbao events which have had firework displays in previous years.

      Kind regards,
      Jess

  • We will be arriving in Singapore on 26th Jan. (Staying till Feb 1st)
    Which is the best night for the fireworks & laser show? & where is the best (or a good!) place to watch them from?
    Thanks, Robin

    • Hi Robin,

      Head to the Chinese New Year Countdown Party on 27 January 2017 between 9.30pm – 12.30am. It will primarily be held along New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street.

      Have a great time in Singapore for Chinese New Year!

      Best regards,
      Jess

  • We are in singapore on the 14, 15, 16 Feb 2017. We really want to see chinese lanterns and fireworks. Last time we saw the laser show but will there be anything you can suggest for us to see lanterns at night? thank you

    • Hi Steve,

      Head to the ‘Street Light Up’ which runs between 7-25 Feb and you can find some info here. My best advice is not to plan too much and just head down to Chinatown during the day that best suits you, as there will be various festivities each day. You never know what you might discover!

      Kind regards,
      Jess

What date is the Chinese New Year?
What time is the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year's Eve: January 28th, 2025
Chinese New Year's Day: January 29th, 2025

Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony: TBA
Street Light-Up: TBA
Countdown Party: TBA
Festive Fair and Food Fair: TBA
Trade Fair @ People’s Park: TBA

Please visit our website for more information on the Chinese New Year.
Where is the Chinese New Year located?
What is the Chinese New Year address?
Multiple locations that include: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street, Chinatown Point, Kreta Ayer Square & Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, All Around Singapore, Singapore

Please visit our website for more information on the Chinese New Year.
What are the Chinese New Year entry prices?
What is the Chinese New Year phone number?

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